A Year in Ballagh: An Introduction

Poster designed by Nollaig Molloy

Welcome!

This blog is an online diary about the research, creative processes and art that unfolds out of ‘Creative Places Ballaghaderreen’.

To mark the beginning of this collaborative journey, please see below a series of photos by Marek Petrovic from our launch at Square One Café, November 25th. During the evening artist-researcher, Nollaig Molloy, introduced her short film ‘Sounding the Shore, Julie Sharkey - shared her extensive experience of working in theatre and community arts, and I read some poetry from ‘Rekindling the Fire’, as well as my recently completed poem ‘The Stir of the Slow Unfurling’. Diaspora opened the event, followed by an introduction of the project from Mary Smyth (Public Art Coordinator - Roscommon County Council).

The evening was a relaxed and engaging opportunity to get to know some of the local groups in the area. We made some lovely connections and began the process of opening up meaningful conversations about ‘Creative Places Ballaghaderreen’.

Follow along on our instagram feed.

Creative Places is a year-long project funded by the Arts Council for places around Ireland that have not previously benefited from sustained investment in the arts and creativity. Currently, there are 17 funded Creative Places, all at varying stages of development. 

Ballagha is at the initial stage of this process. It will involve artists Nollaig, Julie and Anna using socially engaged art practices to explore how local businesses, community groups and individuals can develop an inclusive, diverse and sustainable arts programme for the local area. 

Creative Places: Ballaghaderreen is supported by Roscommon County Council in association with a steering committee made up of local groups from the area. Our approach aims to build on existing cultural strengths, and is guided by inclusive community principles.

More details can be found: https://www.roscommoncoco.ie/coco/en/services/community/arts-office/creative-places.html